Jonathan Rogers (GC)

Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rogers GC, DSM (16 September, 1920 - 10 February, 1964), was awarded the George Cross for the heroism he displayed on the night of the 10 February 1964, during the sinking of HMAS "Voyager".

He was born in Llangollen, Wales, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18 and was awarded the DSM for the "coolness and leadership" he showed while serving as coxswain of Motor Torpedo Boat 698 in action in May 1944. 'Buck' emigrated to Australia after the war and joined the Royal Australian Navy, later in the Korean War.

He was serving on board the destroyer HMAS "Voyager" when, during exercises, it was struck and sliced in half by the aircraft carrier HMAS "Melbourne". Rogers, along with more than 50 other men, was trapped in the sinking forward part of the stricken destroyer.

Making no attempt to save himself, he helped as many men as possible escape through a small escape hatch and, as the compartment sank ten minutes later, was heard leading his trapped comrades in a prayer and hymn as they met their fate, as his citation said, with 'dignity and honour'. [http://www.awm.gov.au/fiftyaustralians/40.asp]